For many years I wondered how hanging upside down from a bar could be of any benefit. I rejected the concept if for no other reason than it looked impossible for me to get in that position (let alone get down). When I was exposed to modern inversion therapy I realized that the new, easy to use inversion tables have many benefits. The most important benefits of inversion therapy are as follows:
1) Decompress Your Discs:
The disks in the spine have three jobs: to separate the vertabrae, provide flexibility to the spine and to act as shock absorbers. If the distance between the vertabrae reduces too much nerve root pressure and pain result. The inner core of discs is made of a jellylike material that provides the cushioning for your back. As you age you will lose height because of the compression effects of gravity and resulting loss of moisture in the discs. By using inversion therapy you are able to reverse the downward pressure on your discs, help the discs recover faster and regain the lost moisture.

2) Align the Spine Properly:
All athletic activities involve some form of spine compression. Activities that focus on one side of your body like golf or tennis can be problematic because they develop strong-side muscle groups. The dominate muscles tend to pull the spine out of alignment and since these "one sided" activities involve rotation of the spine, problems develop. Inversion therapy combined with movement (side to side bends and back arches) really helps keep the spine aligned.
3) Relieve Stress and Muscle Tension:
Inversion elongates the muscles, helping to reduce stress and tension. Stress and tension can cause muscle spasms in the back, neck and shoulders, as well as headaches. Tense muscles restrict blood flow which reduces the supply of oxygen to the muscles, reducing lymph flow that allows an accumulation of waste chemicals. By inverting even for a few minutes you can relax muscles and speed the flow of lymphatic fluids which flush out the body's wastes and carry them to the blood stream. The sooner the waste is cleared out, the faster stiffness and tension will disappear.

What Kind Of Inversion Table to Buy:

Most of the inversion tables on the market look very similar. As usual, looks can be deceiving because there is a huge difference in quality of construction and ease of use. If you research inversion tables you will find that Teeter Hangups Inversion Tables have been the quality leader for many years. Here's how a standard Teeter Inversion Table Works:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c2f5NaEuZM]

The constant pull of gravity has the single most harmful effect on the joints and spinal discs (especially if you are overweight or out of shape). If used correctly inversion therapy is very beneficial and not dangerous. As usual, I recommend that you speak with your medical professional before embarking on any new sports medical therapy. In all honesty, inversion therapy isn't for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions it is critical you speak to your doctor before using any inversion table: any eye condition, heart or circulatory disorders, high blood pressure, stroke, spinal injuries, hernias, extreme obesity, recent bone injuries or implants, and use of anti-coagulants.
About the Author: Bruce is the president of Return2Fitness, an online sports medical resource and product center. His "entrepreneurial spirit" has resulted in the founding or acquisition of 20 companies during his 39 year career. Bruce is not a medical professional so please consult your local specialist before making any changes in the treatment of any injury or condition.
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[caption id="attachment_1983" align="aligncenter" width="250"] This is one of Teeter's many inversion tables, the EP 960.[/caption]